Fisher's Ghost - J.W. Downing's Manuscript

Call Not Tomorrow Thine: The Story of Fred Fisher

A manuscript by J.W. Downing

The story of Frederick Fisher and his ghost has been documented by many, including Charles Dickens, but Downing's account, told in over 300 typewritten pages, must be the most meticulously researched. Delving into the lives of those associated with the initial murder and its aftermath James scoured every repository for primary sources, from the Mitchell library to the NSW State Archives. Leaving no lead unexplored, he corresponded with the Attorney General's Office, London Public Records as well as Fisher's Great Grand Niece, Jean Litchfield of Nottingham, England. And all this in the pre-electronic times of the 1950's.

James researched many papers and letters, one thought lost, to tell the most definitive story he could, aiming to resolve the conflicting versions and inaccuracies that have crept into the account since 1826. "My main purpose in bringing this story to light is that I can substantiate the truth!" he said.

With the intention of producing a TV series from his manuscript, James unfortunately did not see his work published during his lifetime. Call Not Tomorrow Thine is an amazing legacy of a man who sought to understand the full story behind a legend.

That this work still exists we must also thank D. Tyssen and P. Stewart, executor of James' estate, who's efforts in preserving it have enabled us to finally make the manuscript available to all as per his wishes.

Impression of Fred Fisher's ghost sitting on a railing fence

The following PDF files represent the complete chapters of James' work.

All chapters of Call Not Tomorrow Thine(PDF, 15MB) collected together in one large PDF document.

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